Friday, January 13, 2006

As I write this, Ganguly has been selected to play as opener forthe first Test (at the expense of Jaffer and Gambhir)!

Frankly, if Ganguly had to play, opening was the ONLY place hecould have played, especially given Gambhir's indifferent form.Jaffer could have been a risk. So, if Ganguly had to play, thiswas the best position, especially if it is a seaming wicket.Ganguly could also bowl a few overs as 1st change. Who knows?He may even pick up a wicket or two. A worse scenario wouldhave been if he was chosen ahead of Yuvraj!!

The current compromise is one which could backfire though! Forexample, how many overs before he runs out a rampaging Sehwag?

So this is possibly the best scenario. He could open and seesome shine off the ball with a few streaky edges -- one ofwhich will end up in a slippers' hand! If he flops as opener,he can quietly announce his retirement and fade away withdignity.